The U.S. Justice Department has filed federal charges against Linda Sun, a former senior aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing her of acting as a “secret agent” for the Chinese government. Sun, 41, who served as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff in 2021 and previously worked under former Governor Andrew Cuomo, faces serious allegations, including illegal political activities, money laundering, and violating national security laws. The charges, which also implicate her husband, Christopher Hu, 40, have sent shockwaves through political circles and raised concerns about Chinese interference in U.S. affairs.
Allegations of misconduct and money laundering
Federal prosecutors allege that Sun used her influential position within the New York State government to advance the interests of China while receiving substantial financial rewards. According to the indictment, Sun acted as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government, working covertly to promote its agenda. Her husband, Christopher Hu, is accused of facilitating the laundering of millions of dollars in kickbacks that the couple used for personal enrichment.
Christie Curtis, acting assistant director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), stated, “Linda Sun, a former New York State government employee, acted as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government while her husband, Christopher Hu, facilitated the transfer of millions of dollars in kickbacks for personal gain.”
The indictment details how Sun and Hu allegedly laundered millions of dollars through various financial schemes. They are accused of using these funds to purchase luxury properties and high-end vehicles. Notable purchases include a $4.1 million property in Manhasset, New York, a $2.1 million condominium in Honolulu, Hawaii, and plans to buy a 2024 Ferrari with the ill-gotten gains. The charges paint a picture of a high-level political insider betraying her public role for personal profit, all while advancing the interests of a foreign government.
National security threats and ongoing investigations
The case against Sun and Hu is part of a larger initiative by the U.S. Justice Department to combat national security threats posed by China. Sun’s alleged failure to disclose her ties to the Chinese government violates the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a law requiring individuals acting on behalf of foreign governments in a political or quasi-political capacity to disclose their activities to the U.S. government.
In addition to FARA violations, Sun faces charges of visa fraud, alien smuggling, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Her husband, Hu, faces charges of money laundering, bank fraud conspiracy, and identity theft. Federal authorities have accused the couple of using a complex web of transactions to launder funds on behalf of Chinese officials and corporations, all while maintaining their public personas as respectable government employees.
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The indictment also accuses Sun of arranging official invitations for Chinese officials to visit the U.S. and meet with leaders in New York State. She allegedly provided Chinese representatives with official state proclamations without proper authorization, while deliberately blocking similar meetings with Taiwanese officials. This act reportedly aligns with China’s “one China” policy, which denies Taiwan’s sovereignty, further suggesting Sun’s loyalty to Beijing’s geopolitical objectives.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace, commented on the case, stating, “The illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars. While appearing to serve the people of New York as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, the defendant and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government.”
Growing concerns over Chinese interference
The charges against Sun and Hu come amid heightened concerns over Chinese interference in U.S. domestic affairs. In recent months, the Justice Department has indicted several individuals accused of acting as agents for China. This includes a New York resident accused of working for China’s Ministry of State Security and two people charged with operating a covert “secret police station” in New York City.
China has consistently denied allegations of espionage and interference in foreign governments. However, the arrest of a high-ranking former aide in the New York State government underscores the growing fear of foreign influence in American politics and security. The U.S. government continues to monitor and respond to what it views as a concerted effort by Beijing to infiltrate and influence key areas of American society, from politics to academia.
The case against Linda Sun and Christopher Hu remains ongoing, with both facing serious charges that could result in lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
